Vienna

It's possible to buy all manner of tat in Vienna bearing likenesses of Strauss, Beethoven, Mozart or the giant Ferris wheel in the Prater amusement park. Practically every shop in the center sells Mozartkugel, chocolate-covered marzipan balls in a gold wrapper adorned with Mozart's face. Riedel glass, Augarten porcelain, Austrian wine and handmade Christmas decorations rank among the best-quality items to buy in the advent markets. Or check out the museum shops for art deco vases, art books and classical music CDs.

Keep an eye on shop opening hours; stores are closed on Sundays, and some shut for lunch every day. It's customary to greet shopkeepers when you walk in and to say goodbye when you leave.

Got money to burn? Head for Lena Hoschek in Spittelberg for classical dirndl costumes with a twist (and designs for Katy Perry and Dita von Teese), or Nina Peter Hautnah, just off Karntnerstrasse (the main shopping street), whose exquisite gloves are worn by all manner of celebs, including Lady Gaga.

Check out the Naschmarkt, the city's most colorful food market, with all kinds of artisan products. Try a balsamic tasting or munch on Vietnamese spring rolls. In summer, buy giant peaches and bunches of plump cherries for snacks. There are some great, quirky shops nearby, such as Saint Charles Pharmacy on Gumpendorferstrasse, where you can find handmade herbal remedies.

Stroll the streets of Spittelberg, the up-and-coming district just beyond the Museumsquartier. The neighborhood features beautiful Biedermeier houses and hidden squares. This is one of the city's main art and design districts, with trendy cafes and small, one-off boutiques. Plan your visit with the website 7tm.at, which lists all the hippest shops.